It will take the appearance of a ‘born and bred’ local lad to lift the gloom that’s hovered over Southampton, England for the last six weeks. The city has been in the news for two notable high profile stories.
First, on a sporting front, the ‘Spygate’ saga where Southampton Football Club were found guilty of spying on their opponent’s training sessions to gain pre-match advantage, and subsequently punished. Then, some major social unrest over a sad and much publicised fatality in the city, resulting in public protest and disruption. The world-famous port could certainly do with a good news story !
World ranked junior-lightweight Ryan Garner (19-0, 10 KOs) could provide that much-needed fillip if he emerges victorious from his 9st, 4lbs (130lbs) contest against tough Italian Michael Magnesi (26-2, 13 KOs) at Southampton FC St Mary’s stadium tomorrow night.
It will be the first ever boxing event at the stadium and is sure to be well attended given the top billing of the home fighter and his affiliation to his local football club. He will be joined on the bill by local friend Lewis Edmondson (11-1, 3 KOs) who’s in a quality match against former British champion and perennial light-heavyweight (12st, 7lbs/175lbs) ‘gatekeeper’ Lyndon Arthur (25-3, 16 KOs).
A football-like atmosphere, as is common in recent British boxing events, is likely to be in evidence.
These are however both quality match-ups which are sure to be competitive and entertain the live and DAZN audience.
The main event is for the WBC ‘interim’ super-featherweight championship. The current champion O’Shaquie Foster is temporarily unable to defend his ‘world’ title and some expect him to move up a division and therefore vacate at 130lbs. This increases the jeopardy and reward from winning on Saturday.
‘Piranha’ Garner has turned his career around after having some criminal charges resulting from driving under the influence near a decade ago. Despite this distraction he returned to boxing and has remained undefeated and now British and Commonwealth and a former European champion. He’s ranked #8 by The Ring magazine and on the cusp of a world title.
Magnesi has fought at a high level and lost a split points decision to current WBA champion Anthony Cacace in 2022. He will look to take the fight to Garner and the homeboy will likely happily oblige with his vociferous fanbase egging him on. We expect a Garner victory by stoppage in rounds 8-10.
The Edmondson-Arthur fight will be a bit more circumspect with a little more caution shown by both fighters. The Manchester fighter, Arthur, has fought at world-level with lots of experience to draw upon and this will enable him to pace himself accordingly. It’s bit of a ‘pick-ems’ but again with home support we expect Edmondson to win a close points decision.
Enjoy what’s promising to be a good night of boxing.
The Undisputed 